World's first mass-produced electric car

While unveiling the sexy shape of its new Model S saloon, innovative US company, Tesla, announced that it would put the 'world's first mass-produced electric car' into production in 2011.

The Jaguar-esque shape and optimistic timeline are not the only reasons Tesla will be grabbing headlines around the world today (March 27), as claims to the Model S's abilities are quite staggering.

Utilising the company's advanced lithium-ion battery pack, the Model S sprints from 0-60mph in 'under six seconds' on the way to a top speed of 130mph. A Sport version will apparently cut the 0-60mph time by a further second.

Despite such performance, the Model S has been designed to carry up to seven occupants and masses of their luggage. That's thanks to a large space up front where the engine would normally reside, and a flat-floored interior with stowable seats.

The battery pack is located underneath the floor, which lowers the centre of gravity, as well as enhancing packaging. Tesla claims that it will be possible to swap the battery pack for a fully charged one in less time than it takes to fill a conventional car's fuel tank.

Even if battery-swapping facilities are not available, the Model S can be recharged from any 120-, 240- or 480V power supply, with an impressive 45-minute charge possible if the highest rating is available.

In ideal conditions, the Model S will have a range of 300-miles, though buyers will have to pay more for that capability, as the entry-level version does only 160-miles on a charge.

The 2011 launch is, however, dependant on Tesla receiving $350 million (about £242 million) in federal loans from the US government, which the company is confident it will receive.

Tesla will expand its dealer network outside the US with Munich and London earmarked for showrooms, possibly as early late 2009. Pricing is predicted to start at $49,900 in the US - about £34,500.

See the Best A-Class Mercedes Benz through your Eyes

Here you can Watch the Nice Video about MERCEDES BENZ A-CLASS . This is in Germa Language . I am extremely sorry . Please try to bear only this problem.

Win a new A-Class from Mercedes-Benz

Win a new A-Class - request a quote and it could be yours
For a limited time only

Request a motor insurance quote from Mercedes-Benz Insurance and you could find yourself behind the wheel of a new A 150 Classic SE. For a limited time only, we’ll automatically enter you into our prize draw – and with a car given away each month, you could soon be driving away in style.

Request a quote for a second car, even if it’s not a Mercedes-Benz, and you’re entered to win twice. Refined and assured, the A-Class offers a relaxed driving environment. And it could be yours.

For an instant quote simply click on the link below or call 0845 600 2180. Line open Monday to Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am - 2:00pm.

Insurance Prize Draw

1) Closing date for receipt of entry is 30th January 2009, 27th February 2009 and 31st March 2009.

2) This prize draw is open to you if you are over 18 years old, excluding employees or agents of Daimler Insurance Services UK Ltd and those of our subsidiaries or other group companies, all participating organisations and members of their families.

3) We will automatically enter you into the prize draw if you obtain an annual motor insurance policy quote from Mercedes-Benz Insurance before one of the three deadline dates stated above.

4) We may decline to quote in certain circumstances – nulling your entry into the draw.

5) One entry per vehicle model quoted (e.g. no more than one C-Class).

6) We will enter the names of all entrants by the methods stated above into a prize draw which will take place on 2nd February 2009, 2nd March 2009 and 1st April 2009.

7) The first name we draw for each prize draw will win: A Mercedes-Benz A150 3-door Classic SE with metallic paint.

8) The draw will be a random draw, the winner will be notified in writing within 14 days of the relevant draw.

9) Delivery of the vehicle is included and will be within six weeks of the first direct contact with the winner.

10) No cash alternative is available in respect of the prize. You cannot transfer the prize to anyone else if you win.

11) The Prize-winner will agree to any publicity organised by Daimler Insurance Services UK Ltd. The prize is promoted by Daimler Insurance Services UK Ltd, Burystead Court, Caldecotte Lake Drive, Caldecotte, Milton Keynes MK7 8ND. 12) Our instructions for completion of any entry and the advertising text form part of the rules of the draw.

13) Daimler Insurance Services UK Ltd's decision is final in all matters relating to the draw and we will not enter into any correspondence with you about it.

14) The winner's name and county can be obtained by sending an SAE to Mercedes-Benz Motor Insurance A-Class Prize Draw, Burystead Court, Caldecotte Lake Drive, Caldecotte, Milton Keynes MK7 8ND.

15) Your entry implies your acceptance of the rules as being final and legally binding. You are responsible for deciding whether to accept any prize and for taking into account any risk involved.

16) This competition is not valid in Northern Ireland.

A-Class Experience the Majesty

Now even greener
We've significantly reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without compromising performance. This has been achieved in part through weight reduction and improved aerodynamics.

Petrol models include the superb A 150 and A 170, which both offer ample torque and good fuel economy. We’ve also introduced ultra-green BlueEFFICIENCY versions*, incorporating a range of fuel-saving measures. These include an ECO start / stop function for conserving petrol in heavy traffic, standard on the A 150 and A 170. These are now available, and will replace the current A 150 and A 170 models in March 2009.

As for diesel, there’s the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – with a 3-door Fuel Economy Variant. This model achieves an impressive 116 g/km CO2 and 64.2mpg.


Discover the transmission systems driving our engines

More dynamism, more style
The new generation A-Class features an array of subtle design touches that lift the car to another level of dynamism and style.

The tail light cluster has been redesigned and the headlamps reshaped, giving the car a broader appearance. We’ve created a new-look front apron with a more angular, sporty-looking air intake, and reworked the radiator grille. In fact, each model line now has its own distinctive grille louvres.

In addition, we’ve made the bonnet slightly shorter and steeper. In combination with the large, sloping windscreen, this adds drama to the car’s signature sweeping shoulder line.

Other details depend on the model line you choose. For example, the Elegance SE is fitted with stunning 16” 10-twin-spoke alloy wheels while the Avantgarde SE features a more athletic 5-spoke design.

Arrive in good shape
In the new A-Class, all occupants enjoy ergonomic, highly supportive seating, with a wide range of standard adjustment for driver and front passenger seats. On the Elegance and Avantgarde, a seat comfort package comes as standard, adding mechanical 6-way adjustment with lumbar support and memory function.

In the rear, the raised seating position gives passengers generous legroom and the seats can be folded down in a 1/3 : 2/3 ratio to optimise load space.


For your listening pleasure
All A-Class entertainment and communications systems use the same stylish, user-friendly headunit that features across the Mercedes-Benz range. They also include Bluetooth® connectivity for safe, hands-free mobile calls.

Fitted as standard, the Audio 20 system offers a 5” colour display, plus radio / single CD player with aux-in socket for plugging in your MP3 player.

In critical driving situations, our acclaimed Electronic Stability Programme (ESP®) comes into its own. Standard on all new Mercedes-Benz models, the system selectively brakes individual wheels and adjusts engine output as and when required to keep you on track.

Enhancing control, reducing risks
At Mercedes-Benz, we’ve always placed enormous emphasis on safety and it shows in the new A-Class. Following extensive testing, the car has earned a five star Euro NCAP safety award and recognition as the safest in its segment.

Naturally, safety begins with accident avoidance – so the new generation A-Class boasts extensive technology to help you stay out of trouble


ESP® works in harmony with anti-lock braking (ABS) and Brake Assist (BAS) systems. During emergency braking ABS helps you maintain steering control, while BAS maximises braking power, bringing the car to a standstill faster.

An invaluable function of ESP®, this system works in tandem with power steering on the A-Class. It recognises critical handling situations – such as oversteer – and determines the optimal levels of steering assistance required to correct them.

If your steering behaviour does not correspond with these levels, the system intervenes by increasing or decreasing the levels of power support. The altered steering wheel resistance physically encourages you to make the steering adjustments required.

The A-Class includes extensive lighting technology as standard, from integrated front fog lamps to turn signal indicators housed in the wing mirrors.

A new addition to the A-Class, adaptive brake lights significantly reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. When emergency braking at speeds over 50 km/h, these fast-flashing brake lights warn the traffic behind, improving drivers’ reaction times.

The A-Class also offers an optional bi-xenon projection beam headlamp package. Benefits include increased range and a cornering light function that illuminates a wider area when turning into roads at low speeds.

Another new feature for the A-Class, Hill Start Assist prevents the car rolling backwards when pulling away on an incline. It holds the car on its brakes just long enough for you to move your foot to the accelerator or apply the handbrake.

This optional system not only activates the wipers when it detects rain on the windscreen – it also monitors how heavily the rain is falling and adjusts wiper speed accordingly.

Environment
The new-generation A-Class has received several awards in recognition of its exceptional environmental credentials, including the prestigious ‘Design for Environment’ certificate.

Awarded by the ISO, the certificate assesses a vehicle’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, from production through to disposal. Mercedes-Benz is the only brand in the world to have met the standards required – other certified models include the S-Class, C-Class and B-Class.

The new-generation A-Class demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the environment in a range of ways. While engines remain as powerful as before, we’ve significantly improved fuel consumption and lowered CO2 emissions.

The 3 dr A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is now available, and is the lowest emitting Mercedes-Benz at 116g/km. It achieves an incredible 64.2mpg.

The A-Class already meets the EU regulation coming into force in 2015, which prescribes a recycling rate of 95 percent. Plastic components with a total weight of 30.8 kilograms can be produced from high-grade recyclates – twice the figure achieved for the previous model.

Furthermore, the Environmental institute Öko Trend has awarded its Car Environment Certificate to the A 160 CDI, taking into accounts its fuel consumption and exhaust / noise emissions in addition to environmental parameters relating to logistics, production, recyclability and the manufacturer’s environment management systems.

BlueEFFICIENCY versions of the A 150 and A 170 are now available, featuring an ECO start / stop function to help save fuel in slow-moving traffic. From March 2009 these will replace the current A 150 and A 170 models.

Even the Rastatt plant where the cars are produced is designed to be green. Innovative energy-saving features include a vast photovoltaic roof to harness solar power.



Warranty
Our all-embracing, three-year warranty means complete peace of mind for a full three years after you buy your new Mercedes-Benz. There’s no mileage limitation and you’re covered for parts and labour charges incurred in rectifying defects in materials or workmanship.

iDrive

More functions, fewer buttons: the iDrive system puts everything at your fingertips.

The main task of a vehicle control system is to support the driver. With iDrive, BMW has opened up a new development in driver orientation and vehicle control, enabling you to control all kinds of different functions through just a few instruments in new, logical arrangement.
The small number of control elements really crucial to driving, plus the most frequently used functions, are positioned around and on the steering wheel. These include indicators, windscreen wipers, headlight controls and basic sound system and communication controls. As the driver, you never need to take your hands from the wheel. Key driving data such as speed and navigation directions are presented in your line of sight, on the Info Display or the Head-Up Display.
Most other functions - from the air conditioner and navigation settings to BMW Assist and suspension settings - are activated through the Controller: a single turn-and-push dial in the centre console. It enables intuitive operation in a precise dialogue with the Control Display in the upper middle section of the instrument panel. The Controller can be used with just one hand, and offers haptic feedback so you can use it without even looking at it.
A second Controller in the rear of the cabin enables rear passengers to use the entertainment, comfort, multimedia and navigation systems if desired.

3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

I have always purchased my cars used. And every single time, I got a great deal because of a few secrets that is easy to do.

These secrets will save you money. And the good news is there is no luck involved.

If you follow these steps you are guaranteed to save lots of money, so please pay attention.

BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #1 - Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but never ignore safety.

Here's what you do: Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over.

There is a 99% chance they will say "yes".

While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.

Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs.

Be sure the report includes the vehicle's make, model and VIN. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.

Do you see how easy it is?

Are you going to purchase from an individual? If yes, then here is your next tip.

BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #2

Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don't have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide's list of an auto's major systems as a shopping tool.

It's simple.

You can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.

Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract.

The car also may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable.

Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.

Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case, though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency.

Hey, it's just a phone call. And it will take less than 5 minutes.

Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:

BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #3

Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.

Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!

Test drive the car under varied road conditions--on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

Ask for the car's maintenance record. If the owner doesn't have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.

Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car's history.

Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.

There you go.

Follow those three "used car buying" tips and you are guaranteed to save a ton of money buying a used car.

Top 7 Reasons To Sell Your Car Online FREE

In this article, Mr Sampson Cooper of the used car sales website UKAutoSearch reviews the problems car sellers face when advertising their cars in traditional print media, and highlights the real advantages that sellers experience when advertising their cars free of charge on the Internet.

So, you want to sell your car?

> Maybe you are buying a new car

> Perhaps you are getting a company car

> Has your family outgrown your present car?

Whatever the reason for your wanting to sell your car, car sellers agree that selling a car can be a very stressful experience. The commonest concerns sellers have are:

1. "Will I get a good price for my car?" (i.e. will a buyer haggle hard and pressurise me into letting the car go for a low price?)

and

2. "How long will it take to find a buyer for my car?" (i.e. if I hold out for the price I want, will I be left without a buyer?)

The traditional option is to take out an advert in the weekly Autotrader magazine. For about £35, you get a 2-week advert which allows you to include one small photo of your car, and about 200 characters of free text.

If you submit your advert before the Monday deadline, it will appear in that week's edition which comes out either on Thursday or Friday morning. There are a number of regional editions, and you can choose which regional edition you want your advert to appear in.

Problems with advertising in Autotrader

Advertising in the print media sounds like a reasonable idea until you experience first-hand the crippling limitations of this proposition. Remember, the concept of advertising cars in print media has been around since the 1970's, and is certainly showing it's age:

1. Because you get only a limited number of words, you have to cram as much information about your car into the smallest number of words.

> This has given rise to a whole specialist lingo, with terms like "r/c/l" (remote central locking) coming into existence for no reason other than to save space in an Autotrader advert!

2. You get only one photo, so you have to try to convey an impression about your car in one image.

> Imagine you were going to buy something worth thousands of pounds - would you be impressed and satisfied with just one photo?

3. Because you know that your advert will run for only 2 weeks, you may be indirectly pressurised into accepting a lower price for your car than what you expected.

> Suppose someone turns up to see your car on the last day of the 2 week period and offers you £500 less than your asking price... would you accept it for a quick sell or would you hold out for the price you think your car deserves, and be prepared to re-advertise for another 2 weeks?

Faced with the uncertainties and stress of traditional print-based car advertising, car sellers in the USA, UK and Europe have been turning to the Internet to find a more relaxed and productive way of selling their cars.

Top 7 reasons to advertise your car online

Advertising your car on the Internet has some unique advantages compared with traditional print advertising.

Our customers have consistently identified the following 7 features of online advertising which they say have made the difference between getting the price they want for their cars, and having to compromise for a lower price:

1. It is usually significantly cheaper to advertise your car on a website.

> Disk space and bandwidth are cheaper than paper, ink and magazine distribution, and tremendous savings are made by not having to print and distribute a magazine. These savings can be passed on directly to the seller.

> Car adverts at UKAutoSearch.com are FREE until sold, compared to the £35+ cost of a 2-week Autotrader advert.

> UKAutoSearch.com is entirely supported by corporate advertising, and does not charge sellers for the service.

2. Online adverts can include a lot more information about your car than adverts in magazines.

> Car adverts at UKAutoSearch.com can have 10,000 characters (2000 words) of free text description, compared to approximately 200 characters in an Autotrader advert.

3. Online sellers can include multiple photos of their cars.

> Every FREE UKAutoSearch.com advert can have 10 photos of your car. For just £12.99, our sister site UKCarSeller.com allows 25 photos in each advert. Photos can be upto 1Mb in size.

4. Sellers can update / modify adverts at any time, even when the adverts are "live".

5. Anyone in the world with an Internet connection can view your advert.

> This means that people further afield who may still be interested in your car will be able to view its specifications online, without your having to spend more money on adverts in magazines serving neighbouring regions. The end result is that more buyers compete for your car.

> Car adverts at UKAutoSearch.com are also advertised on Google and othe r search engines, increasing the number of people who can see your car online.

6. Your car advert will be online and active immediately - the turnaround time between submitting your advert and it being active is typically a lot shorter than in print media.

7. Some websites such as UKAutoSearch.com and UKCarSeller.com will actively advertise your car until it is sold. So you do not have to accept the first offer you get.

Sell your car online FREE, today

To advertise your car for sale today, simply register at UKAutoSearch.com . Remember, it costs nothing at all to advertise online, so you have nothing to lose!

About the author:

Sampson Cooper is Customer Service Manager at UKAutoSearch.com, a used car sales website.

Written by: Sampson Cooper

Jason Statham Audi Superbowl Trailer

It may not be an advertisement for Transporter 4 but it might as well be. Only this trailer lacks any sort of wow or imagination to it. Its just Jason Statham behind the wheel and apparently that is enough to sell audis.

Checkout the TV spot below which will air during the Superbowl. Do you have the urge to suddenly go buy an Audi? Does it feel like Transporter to you?

Price comparison: Honda main dealer vs. Supermarkets

2006 55 Reg Honda Civic 2.2 i-CTDi Sport with 35,537 miles, for £8,499.
Whereas the best deal we could find on Honda’s website was this:
2006 06 Civic Sport 2.2 i-CTDi Sport, with 29,890 miles, for £ 9,995


Most people think main dealers are expensive. But, in the current market you have to look at every car on a case-by-case basis.

Most people only shop for cars to test drive on a classified website of cars for sale. This leads them to first of all find the kind of cars they are interested in.

As an example, we have been looking for a two and half to three year old Honda Civic diesel (i-CTDi ) in Sport trim.

Then, because of the nature of classified website listings most people start to compare price and mileage. The car with the lowest combination of both is often assumed to be the best value car – because it is the cheapest.

Used Car Expert set out to see if that’s true…
So first stop, of course, was the Used Car Expert price guide, which revealed that average mileage is about 25,000, that a fair price is £10,500, the low price is £10,992 and the best price we can expect is £8,911.

Looking on the major classified websites, within a 60 mile radius of home, we were instantly struck by this little beauty from one of the big supermarkets:

So what's the catch? That's a £1,496 saving for two cars that look pretty much the same.

Well there are potentially 3 catches with this car:

1. The mileage
The cheaper car has 5,500 miles more on the clock and is a thumping 10,000 miles above average for diesel Honda Civics.

2. The service and repair costs
The service interval for the 2.2 diesel Civic is every 12,500 miles or every year, whichever is the sooner.

So both cars should have their first two services and will need another one at some point in the coming year.

The main dealer car has a complete service history, and is prepared to Honda’s used approved programme, which should mean it will be 12 months until you have to pay for a service. At £247 for a service, this is good news.

With the cheaper car, that bill could be just a couple of months away.

Plus, the cheaper car will be at the end of its manufacturer warranty. The dealer selling the cheaper car will offer you a warranty, which is from the AA, but it will cost at least another £250. Whereas the main dealer car comes with extended 12 months warranty included in the price.

3. The preparation, especially the recalls
As you can see in our ‘behind the scenes’ features, a used approved Honda is prepared to ‘as new’ standard; having every imperfection repaired.

If the cheaper car has any interior damage or a couple of body work dents (such as trolley dents in the doors) then each one will cost at least £50 to put right and bring the car up to the equivalent standard of the main dealer car.

The car will also be serviced (if required) so that breakdown is less likely and you will get roadside assistance worth another £100.

Then there are the safety recalls…

Some Honda Civics built between 13/09/2005 and 12/10/2007 are subject to a recall, where the car will have its handbrake assembly replaced for free. This is because it has been identified that if the handbrake is applied with the release button depressed, there is a small risk that the handbrake may not latch sufficiently to hold the vehicle securely on a slope.

Any car sold by a main dealer will have had all such recalls completed. Cars bought from independents may not.*

Conclusion
The main dealer car is not £1,496 more expensive than the supermarket car.

If you take the servicing savings, warranty, roadside cover and bodywork repairs into account, it is less than £899.

For a car that has done 5,000 miles less, is less likely to break down, has had its safety recalls, won’t cost a penny in repairs for the year ahead (there is a full manufacturer backed warranty), I think, even though it is more money, in the long-run, it’s the better value deal.

2006 55 Reg Honda Civic 2.2 i-CTDi Sport with 35,537 miles, for £8,499.

Used Approved Vauxhall (Network Q)

Used Car Expert ask, "What do I get if I buy a Network Q Vauxhall?"

Are the cars inspected?
“Every Network Q vehicle is subjected to a rigorous series of checks, related to the age of the vehicle, with Vauxhall technicians testing everything from engine performance to paint work. And if we do find anything amiss, we'll make sure it’s put right before allowing a vehicle to carry the Network Q badge.”

Do they have a history check?
“The details of your car are checked to ensure they match the manufacturer's description and the details originally recorded by the DVLA, have no outstanding finance, never written off, or stolen. The mileage is checked and the Vauxhall Recall Register is checked to make sure any necessary work has been correctly carried out.”

What kind of cars do you sell?
“Any used car.”

What’s included…
Warranty? “Comprehensive 12 months/20,000 mile Guarantee, plus a brakes, battery and clutch guarantee.”

Exchange policy? “In the unlikely event that the vehicle details given in the Network Q Ownership Promise are subsequently found to be incorrect, the supplying Network Q Retailer will replace your vehicle with a similar model within 30 days, or if this is not possible, offer you a full refund.”

Recovery? “No.”

What else should I know?
“You can take delivery of your new vehicle the same day thanks to Vauxhall Motor Insurance and Phone & Go – 7 days free insurance now comes as standard with every Network Q vehicle.”